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The Essentials - Six Things Every PS4 Owner Should Have

Somebody’s always trying to sell you something, am I right? I mean, everywhere you go people try to get you to buy their product. I’m sorry, but as tempting as your donut hole maker is, and it is quite tempting, I am going to pass. Game systems are no exception to this rule. You have accessories, subscriptions, protection plans, and all of that hits you without you even getting a chance to look at the games! It can be overwhelming, and even though you don’t think you’ll need a stand for the system, they’ll try their best to make you think you do.

Now don’t go curling up into the fetal position and crying yourself to sleep just yet. It’s a big scary world out there, and while we here at PS4 Experts can’t make your life decisions for you, we can certainly help you wade through the multitude of messages that assault you when you finally get your hands on the beautiful and enigmatic machine that is the PlayStation 4. Below you will find a custom list of the top six items I would recommend above all else for the PS4. They are listed in order of importance so budget accordingly. Here we go!

#6 - Protection Plans This isn’t something you would think of first, but hear me out. The PS4 is perfect, but it’s that kind of perfect where you love it unconditionally, not the kind where it’s immortal. Depending on where you purchase the system from, you’re going to hear about some sort of extended warranty or protection plan. Keep in mind, most places will have a thirty day or so warranty and of course, Sony has you covered for the first year with their manufacturer’s warranty. You’re not in the dark here, but you also have to take some things into consideration.

The PS4 is going to be around for a long time, and even though it’s perfect, it can still get zapped by power surges, or even succumb to premature wear and tear. Don’t be left with no options, consider getting some sort of extended warranty on it. Even if you didn’t buy it with the system’s purchase, some retailers will allow you to add it in within the first week or even the first month. The PlayStation Store also has an option to purchase an extended warranty through Sony themselves. It may seem like a needless purchase, but it’s on this list because I believe it’s needed, just in case.

#5 - PlayStation 4 Camera In my recent review of The Playroom, I also talked about the PS4’s camera, which has become incredibly hard to find as of late. I picked up one of the cameras at launch and I think it’s a great accessory that lacks the proper support. That being said, it does have some cool features. You can use it for facial scanning, for voice commands, for commentary on your game streaming, and for use in the free Playroom app that comes installed on your PS4.

These are all awesome features, but the problem is they are still budding ideas that have yet to fully germinate. What’s here works great, but I’m hoping for more. That being said, the device is incredibly versatile and I am confident that it will see further integration soon and when that happens, you’ll be glad you own one. Even now, if you do a lot of streaming or just want to kick some AR Bots around, it’s a fantastic addition to your system. For more details, check out my review!

#4 - A Stereo/Surround Sound Headset Depending on your living situation, you may find yourself being told to keep it down by roommates, neighbors, your significant other, or even your family pet. Headsets are nothing new, but if you don’t already own one, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon. With technology the way it is, today’s modern headsets can offer everything from stereo audio, to full on surround sound going straight into your ears as you soak in the action. Not to mention that online multiplayer has become huge, and the ability to chat with your friends or belittle complete strangers is key towards becoming a successful Call of Duty or Battlefield addict.

I kid, but even though the PS4 does come with a basic headset and the PS4 Camera can be used as a method of chatting, nothing beats having the game’s audio fed directly into your brain through those holes on the sides of your head. You don’t need to spend a ridiculous amount of money, in fact you can check out Dusty's and I’s headset recommendations here on the site to see what headset best fits your needs.

#3 - A Second DualShock 4 Controller I love the Dualshock 4. In fact, I love it so much I bought two! There’s more reasons than that of course, but it does seem to feel like less and less games offers the ability for two people to play at once. That being said, the current PS4 catalogue, if you include downloads, has several compelling reasons to own a second controller. One of which is Tiny Brains, an awesome four player cooperative title that I recently reviewed. The Lego games also support local multiplayer as does Knack and Skylanders: Swap Force. You may be rolling your eyes but they are indeed fun. Call of duty also supports a second player so there.

Having a second controller is always one of those things you don’t think you’ll need and then that big cooperative game comes out and suddenly you’re stuck doing single player. Trust me, just pick up another controller, even if it collects dust, one day it won’t.

#2 - A Charging Station I do love the fact that the Dualshock 4 is rechargeable, and I think it’s great that you can plug it into the PS4 and charge it while the console is on standby, but I still would like the ability to charge one or both of my controllers at once, whenever I want. This is where a charging station becomes an absolute necessity. There’s nothing worse than sitting down on your couch only to realize that your controller is dead and the only way to play is to sit by the TV with the cable hooked up to the console while it charges.

With a charging station, you’ll plug it into the wall, set your controllers on it when you’re not playing, and be charged up when it’s time to rock. I put this above all else because this is a fantastic accessory to own, and once you have it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

#1 - A PlayStation Plus Subscription I think I pop a blood vessel in my brain whenever someone complains about having to subscribe to PlayStation Plus to play online with PS4. Unlike Xbox, the service you’re paying for is more than just a way to grab your money and run. With PlayStation Plus you’re getting better network servers, free game downloads each month, discounts on the store, and special access to betas and demos. It costs fifty dollars a year. In that year, if you own a PS4, a PS3, and a Vita, you’ll get free games on each system every month.

Even if you just own the PS4, let’s see how much value PlayStation Plus members have received since the system’s launch. First everyone got Resogun and Contrast, so that’s twenty five dollars right there for free. Then we got Don't Starve which is another fifteen, and finally we just received a free download of Outlast which is twenty dollars. So, the PS4 has been out three months and you’ve already made back the money you paid on your subscription in free content alone! I’ll just drop the mic and hit the lights on my way out then. We’re done here.

What do you think of these essentials? What else do you think every PS4 owner should have? Tell us in the comments!